How to Cite GIS Materials

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When writing a research paper or an article that contains references to GIS data, maps, or other geospatial material, it’s important to include a proper citation crediting the author of the GIS work.

Citations vary depending on if the map is a single piece of work, part of a map series, an atlas, or a map that is part of a book or a journal article. There are even specific citations if the map was created using GIS software or you are citing GIS data. There are varying citation guidelines for static web maps versus dynamic online mapping applications.

For each map, first consult the original work in order to extract the necessary information. Scan the map for the necessary information. If some of the needed citation information is not listed directly on the map, access any available background information. If the map is found within a book, article, or atlas, look for any figures or footnotes that provide additional detail. If the map is accessed from a web page, check for any background information on the source web site. Make sure you carefully note within your citation any missing information.

Unlike most books and journal articles, the map or GIS data being cited may not contain all the needed information for a full citation. The author can be either the name of the individual who created the map, or in the case where the individual is unknown, the name of the agency. If the map does not contain a title, use a descriptive sentence in lieu of the title. Put that sentence within brackets [] to indicate that the title you are using is not an official title. Always note the scale if possible. If the scale is not provided on the map or is otherwise unknown, note this within the citation by stating “Scale Unknown.”

Always check the map first for source information about the map’s author (1), title (2), scale (3), and publication location and publisher (4).

For all printed cartographic work, you will need to know the following: the author of the map, the title of the map, format in brackets (e.g. map, software, GIS data) the edition of the map (if available), the scale of the map, place of publication, the publishers, and the date.

Printed map references should be cited in the following order: Author. Title. [Format] Edition (if known). Scale. Place of publication: Publisher, Date.

Since many online sources have a tendency to be updated, when citing online map and GIS data sources, it’s important to list the URL and the date of the citation itself along with the actual publication date of the map. Many guidelines also suggest listing the data sources between the map citation and the software citation (not shown in this example).

Author. “Map title” [format]. Scale. “Title of the complete document or site”. Information date. URL – this should include the full path of the document address, not just the home page of the web site. (The date viewed)

Dempsey, Caitlin. Cartogram map of the distribution of billionaires based on citizenship [map]. Scale Not Given. “Geography of Billionaires: Mapping Nationalities and Residency.” March 2012. http://gislounge.com/geography-of-billionaires-mapping-nationalities-and-residency/. (September 24, 2012).

Maps created using a specific GIS software should have that information appended to the citation:

Author. “Map title” [format]. Scale. Edition. Place of production: Producer, Date of copyright or production. Using: Computer software title [format]. Edition. Place of production: Producer, Date of copyright or production.

Citing GIS Software and GIS Data

The guidelines above using universally accepted and documented styles of citing maps, GIS data, and GIS software. Individual GIS software makers also have their citation preferences. Aileen Buckley, Esri’s Mapping Center Lead, published a post on December 2, 2010 on “How to cite and use Esri Data“. In it, Esri takes a more legalese approach, requiring that cartographers first vet Esri sourced data for publication permissions and then suggested using the following for any maps created with its data:

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